Belvidere Computing Curriculum
Vision
Children at Belvidere Primary STRIVE to become programmers, system technicians, media developers and data analysts through computational thinking. They communicate ideas, connect safely and respectfully and create with purpose.
Intent
At Belvidere we believe that technology plays a significant role in society. Children are taught the skills to equip them for a technological world. Children in our Reception classes begin their computing journey by developing their computational thinking through the use of unplugged activities, iPads and simply controlled devices. From Key Stage One, children use the National Centre for Computing Education scheme of work, Teaching Computing, to understand the scope of technology, develop technological foundations on which to build and advance their knowledge and support them in developing digital literacy for the future. Children will have a thorough knowledge of how to keep safe when using technology and when online through their studies in computing lessons, PSHE and Online Safety Week.
Implementation
Computing is taught weekly in all classes from Key Stage One. Computing is split into 6 units across the year; computing systems and networks, creating media 1&2, data and information and programming A&B. Each unit of six lessons builds progressively on previous years concepts and vocabulary. Computing learning will be saved digitally, within floor books and individual pupil folders.
The Teach Computing Curriculum uses the National Centre for Computing Education’s computing taxonomy to ensure comprehensive coverage of the subject. This has been developed through a thorough review of KS1-4 computing programme of study, and the GCSE and A level computer science specifications across all awarding bodies.
All learning outcomes fall under the following ten strands of computing.
- Algorithms — Be able to comprehend, design, create, and evaluate algorithms
- Computer networks — Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and how they come with associated risks
- Computer systems — Understand what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole
- Creating media — Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds, and video
- Data and information — Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world artefacts and scenarios.
- Design and development — Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artefacts.
- Effective use of tools — Use software tools to support computing work.
- Impact of technology — Understand how individuals, systems, and society as a whole interact with computer systems.
- Programming — Create software to allow computers to solve problems.
- Safety and security — Understand risks when using technology, and how to protect individuals and systems.
You will find the full scheme of work and unit breakdowns here:
https://teachcomputing.org/curriculum
Impact
Teachers use formative assessment during computing lessons to evaluate children's skills and target support during lessons and use this information to plan for further support. Staff use teacher judgement, quizzes and a rubric evaluation grid to track children's development in computing. Subject leads will use this information to support, inform and adapt where necessary. Outcomes will be recorded digitally, within floor books and individual pupil folders.
Belvidere Pupil Voice in Computing
“I love it! It is my favourite subject!” – Year 3 pupil
“Teachers help us and make Computing fun.” – Year 4 pupil
“Computing lessons without computers are still fun because we get more learning in it.” – Year 4 pupil
“Don’t tell people your password or personal information. Be nice online and never talk to strangers.” – Year 4 pupil
“Don’t take photographs without permission.”- Year 2 pupil
“We learn about online safety in Computing and PSHE lessons.” – Year 6 pupil
“I know I am getting better at Computing because I feel it and become more independent and confident at using technology.” – Year 3 pupil
“Teachers help us and recommend things that we can do to get better.”- Year 6 pupil
EYFS
Children in Reception learn computing and investigate technology in many different ways. Through focus groups and free-play activities in the learning environment, children have opportunity to develop their computational thinking and are taught how to use technology safely.
The Barefoot Computing EYFS Curriculum is used to deliver computing in an unplugged and engaging way.
Examples of Computing in EYFS:
- - taking photos on the iPad
- - interacting with games on the interactive board and iPads
- - programming floor robots
- - reading online stories